"Atacama Desert: A Fantasy Land, Exploring the Wonders of "Mars"".
"Atacama Desert Travel Guide"
Must-visit attractions:
• Valley of the Moon: This is an iconic attraction in the Atacama Desert that resembles the surface of the moon. The huge sand dune rock formations and ravines have been carved into natural sculptures by nature after years of weathering. The mountains are sparkling with little sparkles brought by the rock formations. The sunset is even more beautiful, making people feel like they are on another planet.
• Geyser: The highest geyser in the world. It is best to visit in the early morning. You can see the steaming spring water gush out from the ground, forming a unique landscape against the background of the surrounding barren desert.
• Atacama Salt Lake: The lake has high salinity and is so clear that people can float naturally while lying in the lake, experiencing a feeling similar to the Dead Sea, while also enjoying the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
• Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miniques: These are a stunning pair of twin lakes located off Route 27 on Scenic Drive. The lake water presents charming blue and green colors, and beside the lake are large areas of desert and volcanoes, with magnificent scenery.
• Alma Observatory: One of the world's best stargazing locations. The Atacama Desert's dry climate, almost no light pollution, and high-altitude conditions make the starry sky here exceptionally pure and bright. The Milky Way, constellations, and star clusters can be clearly observed here at night. Wait for celestial bodies.
stay:
• Awasi Hotel: Like a home in the Atacama desert, this 8-suite villa hotel stands impossibly in the desert. The hotel is built of mud bricks and draws on the design of ancient church buildings. It is full of local characteristics. The bed sheets, curtains and other textiles inside are also sourced from local handcrafts.
• Explora Hotel: Located in the small town of San Pedro, it is very luxurious, like an oasis paradise in the desert. Most of the hotel buildings are wooden structures, giving people a fresh and natural feeling. The hotel provides attentive and considerate service and exquisite and delicious meals three times a day.
gourmet food:
• Roast lamb: The tender lamb is grilled, with crispy skin and tender and juicy meat inside. It is paired with local special seasonings and has a rich flavor. You can taste it in some hotels or local restaurants.
• Specialty desserts: Desserts made from local beans have a unique taste, are sweet and delicious, and are an excellent choice after a meal.
• Freshly squeezed fruit juice: Due to the dry and hot local climate, freshly squeezed fruit juice is a very popular drink that can replenish water and vitamins.
transportation:
• Plane: You can fly to Calama, a city in northern Chile, and then drive to the town in the Atacama Desert. This is a more convenient way, but be sure to book your tickets in advance.
• Long-distance bus: If you have plenty of time, you can choose to take a long-distance bus, but the journey may be difficult, and you need to know the bus frequency and travel time in advance.
• Self-driving: Renting a car locally and driving yourself is also a good choice. You can freely arrange your itinerary and easily visit various attractions. But pay attention to road conditions and driving safety, and understand local traffic rules in advance.
Things to note:
• Dry climate: The climate of the Atacama Desert is extremely dry. Bring enough drinking water and take moisturizing measures to prevent chapped lips, dry skin and other problems.
• Large temperature difference between day and night: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in desert areas. It is hot during the day and cold at night. You need to prepare appropriate clothing to cope with temperature changes at any time.
• High altitude: In some areas, altitude sickness is high and altitude sickness may occur. Take preventive measures in advance, such as taking anti-altitude sickness medications in advance.
• Stargazing arrangements: If you want to do stargazing, it is best to avoid the time before and after the full moon, when the moonlight is stronger and will affect the stargazing effect. Also, be sure to keep warm as the desert can be very cold at night.
• Respect local culture: There are some indigenous communities around the Atacama Desert. You must respect local culture and customs and do not destroy the environment and cultural relics at will.